Cathedral Peak is one of the most beautiful hikes in the front country. Unfortunately for many, it is also
one of the most strenuous. On Sunday I led a Sierra Club hike that gives a taste of that hike without
being too strenuous. We just went to the beginning of the long, rocky spine that leads to the top.

It is a bit steep in places, but the elevation gain is only about 1,000 feet, bringing us just above
Inspiration Point from behind it. Cool!

We had a diverse group of eleven hikers for this Base of Cathedral Peak Spine outing. One couple was
not up for the steep climb, but they relaxed in the lower Seven Falls area as the rest of the group
continued up.

As on a previous hike, young Raphael was the star, leading the way up this primitive, rocky trail. His
mother Nicole was happy to give him room to explore on his own.

Raphael also picked out a perfect lunch spot with sweeping views of the coast and also back into the
Seven Falls canyon of Mission Creek.

Everyone had a good time on this beautiful day! A hike that is short yet challenging and spectacular!